A paroxysmal spasm of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by a rough and strong exhalation of air, is usually called a barking cough, in a child this symptom can talk about many diseases that require prompt diagnosis. An attack occurs suddenly, can occur with or without fever, depending on the cause of its development.

Causes of barking cough in a child

This type of cough can occur due to the occurrence of an ordinary catarrhal disease or may be a symptom of a more complex infectious disease.

  • Simple causes of coughing (e.g., ARVI, ARI, laryngitis). When inhaling, the air affects the inflamed walls of the throat and larynx, provoking a paroxysmal prolonged cough with deaf rales. The breathing process is disturbed, causing hypoxia of varying severity.
  • Complex (diphtheria, whooping cough). An emergency call is required. Attacks prevent the baby from sleeping, immunity at a body temperature of 39 - 40 ° C is ineffective in fighting pathogens. Vomiting caused by coughing may aggravate the condition. With such symptoms, it is recommended that the patient be hospitalized, a temporary observation by a doctor.

High predisposition to barking cough in children with allergies.

What diseases indicates

A barking cough in a child without fever can occur in the following cases:

  • due to allergies to dust, animal dander or other irritants;
  • after transferred lung infectious (viral, colds) diseases;
  • with laryngitis or other inflammation of the walls of the larynx.

If the symptom discussed is accompanied by a steady rise in temperature, it is urgent to identify the type of pathogen in order to exclude the development of:

  • false croup;
  • diphtheria;
  • whooping cough;
  • measles
  • scarlet fever.

Diagnosis, which doctor to contact

Conditions accompanying the "dog" cough:

  • hoarse voice;
  • swelling of the larynx;
  • paroxysmal long gusts of coughing;
  • weakness;
  • sleep disturbance;
  • vomiting when coughing;
  • loss of appetite;
  • runny nose;
  • lacrimation
  • a possible increase in body temperature to 39 - 40 ° C;
  • chest pain;
  • possible expectoration of mucus from the lungs.

A strong cough of a suffocating nature is a direct indication for a visit to a pediatrician or ENT. Doctors for a complete diagnosis of the disease will conduct an appropriate examination of the patient.

Diagnostic Algorithm:

  1. History taking.
  2. Examination of the patient (lymph nodes, throat).
  3. Listening to the chest front and back.
  4. Assignment of analyzes.

Among the latter, laboratory (general analysis of blood, urine, sputum) and instrumental (radiography) are distinguished.

In a serious condition, a small patient is usually hospitalized.

Treatment of ailment with and without temperature

The question of how to treat a barking cough in a child worries many parents. Initially, the type of symptom should be established, and treatment will depend on it.

  • Wet (wet) cough. It occurs due to accumulated sputum. In this way, the lungs get rid (cleared) of irritating mucus. You can not prescribe antitussive medication, otherwise sputum will not be able to go outside. Stagnation will lead to additional inflammation (for example, pneumonia).
  • Dry barking cough. It arises from irritation of the inflamed respiratory organs (more often, the throat) by air flows passing through them. Sputum is absent. Before the diagnosis is established, the administration of expectorant drugs is contraindicated. In some cases, antitussive drugs are prescribed.

If a child has a fever with any cough, then a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. By listening to the lungs, the doctor will be able to dispel doubt and fear about the hidden pathology. Body temperature is not brought down to 38.5 ° C. After the next increase, it is recommended to give the necessary dose of Nurofen or Ibuprofen. If the temperature during coughing remains for a long time (more than 5 days) at the same level, this indicates a pathological pathology in the child's body. It is worth informing the doctor about this to adjust the subsequent treatment, in order to avoid complications.

During an attack, it is important to provide your child with fresh air. It is necessary to reassure the baby, since during restless behavior, the intensity of the cough will only increase. A warm drink, such as milk with honey, will also help the child calm down.

Medications

Modern drugs for the treatment of barking cough are designed to alleviate the patient’s condition in a short time and fully suppress seizures between doses. Most of them have no serious side effects and contraindications. For ease of use, liquid products are equipped with measuring cups or syringes, spoons. Topical preparations usually taste good.

Dry barking cough is treated with medicines, which are divided into two groups:

  • Means of peripheral action. Lollipops, sprays, syrups belong to them. They are able to quickly remove irritation from the inflamed mucous membranes of the larynx. They have a short-term effect, are prescribed for mild manifestations of cough. Syrup "Prospan", "Lizobakt", "Dekvadol", "Orasept" (with sore throat) is suitable.
  • Means of central action. When absorbed after 10 to 15 minutes, the cough center is suppressed. They include "Glycodin", "Sinecode", "Codelac Neo." Addiction does not occur. It can be given to children from 2 months of age. However, such drugs are strictly forbidden to prescribe to children on their own.

If there is a chance that the attack is caused by an allergy, you should immediately give an antihistamine.

In addition to traditional, you can resort to traditional medicine.

Folk remedies for the treatment of barking cough in children:

  • Tea from elecampane. For 1 liter of boiling water you will need 2 tbsp. l dry grass. Insist 30 minutes. Drink a portion throughout the day.
  • Chamomile tea. It is necessary to drink before bedtime. It has a sedative effect. Brew similarly.
  • A decoction of thyme, oregano and calendula (in equal proportions). Able to reduce urges and cramps, soothe irritated mucous membranes.

Herbal preparations should be given with caution to children with an allergic predisposition.

Inhalation

Physiotherapy helps treat dry cough. Inhalations are a universal method of combating inflammation of the respiratory tract, with the manifestation of allergic symptoms. Such procedures contribute to the hydration of the mucosa, recovery after damage due to an angry paroxysmal cough.

The doctor is responsible for the selection of medications for the nebulizer:

  • saline to moisten the mucosa;
  • "Nebutamol" or "Dexamethasone" - hormones help to instantly stop an attack of suffocation;
  • “Prospan” (with dry) and “Lazolvan” (with wet);
  • Ambrobene.

Possible complications

Complications in children with barking cough occur more often than in adults. The fault is the narrow passage of the larynx, which did not have time to fully reach the required dimensions. Due to inflammation, it is able to narrow as much as possible, as a result of which, after an attack, suffocation may occur.

An untreated cough is aggravated, changes its location, goes down to the lower parts of the respiratory system. As a result, bronchitis or pneumonia may develop. A strong cough can injure a heart muscle or peripheral processes of nerves.

Prevention

Caring for the baby's health is the best prevention from all diseases. To facilitate the course of viral infections, accompanied by a barking cough, it is worth taking measures aimed at the correct conditions for keeping the child indoors.

Prevention:

  • airing the room;
  • wet cleaning;
  • cool and moist air.

A child often suffering from SARS is required to spend at least 1.5 hours a day on the street. Proper nutrition and the use of vitamins will help strengthen weak immunity.

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